The Fusilier Museum is all set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day
The Fusilier Museum, Bury will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) on Friday 15th August with a celebration day for families and the launch of a new exhibition – The Forgotten Front Remembered.
The new exhibition curated by the team at the museum features untold stories of the Lancashire Fusiliers and the vital role they played in the Far East. Often overshadowed by events in Europe, the campaign and those who fought it, became known as the story of the ‘Forgotten Army.’ Artefacts, photographs, uniform, stories and several films can be found in the new exhibition including a film commissioned by the museum to commemorate the 75th anniversary back in 2020 but due to COVID restrictions at the time was kept very low key.
In addition, the museum will also be hosting a special celebration day for families on VJ Day itself with object handling, museum-led ‘meet the object’ sessions in the Quartermasters Store, a short service of remembrance in Gallipoli Garden, dressing up in the galleries, family friendly crafts, face painting and much more! Children are also invited to design their own medals and contribute by creating special bunting which will be displayed in the museum as part of the celebrations.
The day finishes by turning the outside of the building red, white and purple in honour of all the Lancashire Fusiliers who fought so bravely in in the Far East. The building will be lit for three consecutive nights starting at dusk on the 15th August.
Victory over Japan (VJ Day) saw the end to all hostilities in the Second World War. The Lancashire Fusiliers were selected by Wingate to form part of the Chindits, and they fought with various other units as part of the Burma campaign. The Chindits became known as The Forgotten Army, and they became the largest of all the allied special forces of the Second World War.
Colonel Brian Gorski, Chairman of The Fusilier Museum said, “The Lancashire Fusiliers played a fundamental role in the Far East, so it is extremely important that we pay tribute to all those who contributed and ensured its success. We hope the new exhibition acts as a fitting tribute to the ‘Forgotten Army’ and is enjoyed by visitors old and new. The celebration day for families will hopefully provide the local community with the opportunity to get involved and we all look forward to seeing the building illuminated in their honour once again.”
The Forgotten Front Remembered opens on 15th August. Kids also go FREE with a full paying adult throughout the school holidays.
The Fusilier Museum in Bury, Lancashire, is home to the collections of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting over 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum tells the rich and fascinating stories of the people who have served and continue to service in the Regiments.